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Learn about the Advantages of TRIM and How to Use It with Your Intel® SSD

Last Reviewed: 20-Feb-2018

Article ID: 000006462

Click or the topic for details:

What is TRIM?

TRIM is an attribute of the ATA Data Set Management Command. The TRIM function improves compatibility, endurance, and performance by allowing the drive to do garbage collection in the background. This collection eliminates blocks of data, such as deleted files.

How do I use TRIM?

The following operating systems (OS) have the TRIM command enabled by default:

Windows 7*

Windows 8*

Windows 8.1*

Windows® 10

Windows Server 2008*

Windows Server 2012*

Windows Server 2016*

If you are using Microsoft Windows XP* or Vista*, the Intel® SSD Optimizer identifies deleted files, and communicates that information to the SSD. Intel SSD Optimizer is part of the Intel® SSD Toolbox.

For TRIM to function:

Both the SSD and operating system must support TRIM

The operating system must have TRIM enabled

Note

Only SSDs with drive lithography of 34 nm (G2) or newer support the TRIM command. 50 nm SSDs do not support TRIM.

What are the requirements for TRIM?

An Intel® Solid State Drive (Intel® SSD), with drive lithography of 34 nm (G2) or newer.

The latest version of the Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox enables you to optimize the performance of an Intel SSD. You can also use a recent version of Windows* or Linux*, that automatically enables TRIM.

How do I check to see if the drive supports TRIM?

You can use the Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox to view the drive attributes:

Open the Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox.

Click Export.

Save the .csv file and open it in an appropriate tool, such as Microsoft Office Excel*.